Bochum vs Mainz

Vonovia Ruhrstadion plays host to an all-Bundesliga DFB-Pokal last-16 tie between Bochum and Mainz.

Only a few days following a 1-0 Bundesliga defeat at Mainz, Bochum will have an opportunity to gain revenge on fellow top-flight rivals in the DFB-Pokal. It could be easier said than done, considering they’ve lost three of their last four home league H2Hs (W1), albeit they won the most recent one without conceding. Entertainment has been relatively sparse at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion since the start of December, with none of Bochum’s three league matches here producing over 2.5 goals. Indeed, Thomas Reis’ men have found the home goals hard to come by lately, netting one or less in their last three top-flight games on home turf. With five of their last six competitive home goals scored coming beyond half-time, it’s reasonable to expect Bochum to step up in the second half of play.

Meanwhile, Mainz’s aforementioned win over this opposition has spelled the end for their two-game losing Bundesliga streak, presenting the visitors with a rare opportunity to win back-to-back competitive games (90 mins only). Indeed, ‘Die Nullfünfer’ have yet to post two consecutive triumphs this season, highlighting their problems with inconsistent performances. Away from home, Christian Heidel’s men have lost their last four Bundesliga fixtures on the trot, conceding an average of 2.25 goals per game in the process. Six of the nine goals they’ve shipped in that period have arrived in the second half, underlining Mainz’s inability to maintain focus in the later stages of play. Moreover, you have to go back to October to find the last time they scored more than once on hostile turf.

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